'I can't work with people that undermine other people' - Ashwin Willemse walks off SuperSport set

By KHANYISO TSHWAKU -
20 May 2018 - 09:48

Ashwin Willemse.
Image:
Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

In what was an unexpected and shocking twist of drama at the SuperSport studios in Randburg, former Springbok wing Ashwin Willemse walked out of the studio after a disagreement with Nick Mallet and Naas Botha.

This happened after the Lions had beaten the Brumbies 42-24 in a Super Rugby match at Ellis Park.

It is not clear as to what led to Willemse's unhappiness, but it was reported that the former Springbok and Lions winger spoke of being labelled a "quota player" and refused to be patronised by individuals who played in the apartheid/segregated era.

Botha is a former Springbok flyhalf who represented the national team 28 times between 1980 and 1992.

Mallett, who coached the Springboks between 1997 and 2000, played two tests for the Boks in 1984.

It is also reported that Willemse said "he can't work with people who undermine other people" and that he was "glad it happened on live TV so that people can see". In a tweet, SuperSport said they are aware of the matter and they are looking into it.